24 February, 2010

Orange Banana Muffins with Pistachios

My daughter turned two yesterday, and we had 8 or 10 kids from the neighborhood in our garden for a little 2-hour-party, each one accompanied by one parent. Or so it was planned. However, my daughter then decided that she is very very very scared of the balloons that decorated the whole garden, and would not step outside, no matter what. No promise of ice creams, chocolates or lollipops or any last resort bribery tactics would make her join our guests. We destroyed all balloons. She still would not set a foot outside. Only way out was to move the party into the house, into the kids playroom. So about 20 people were cramped into the playroom. The noise level was incredible. We even brought the snacks upstairs. In no time, all toys were pulled out and popcorn was spread evenly on the floor amongst them. My daughter was sitting on my lap for the whole time watching the scene without any interest in participating.
The first uplifting moment of the whole party was the parents really liking my home-baked muffins. After about 90 minutes my daughter was ready to go outside. As usual on those parties, everyone was just glad when it was over. At least, my muffins were a huge success.

Now, can anyone explain to me, why I woke up with a huge hangover feeling this morning? We had a kiddie's afternoon party with fruit juice, popcorn and muffins and I feel like I partied til 4 in the morning with lots of wine, beer and cocktails.......--------------------------------------------------------------

Combine mashed banana, orange peel, orange juice, eggs, oil and agave in a bowl an mix well. In another bowl, mix oats with flour, salt and baking powder. Pour dry mixture into wet mixture and stir until just combined. Fill batter into muffin tin.
Put half a teaspoon of the brown sugar on each muffin and sprinkle chopped pistachios on top. Bake for about 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

@ Mary Mohthanks for your comments. They are always much appreciated!!

@AnuWe knew that all the way that it would be too much for a 2 year old. Still did it, hoping that it will not traumatize her for the rest of her life. Good luck with the baking with agave. I use just about everywhere.

You probably woke up feeling hungover 'cause your emotions were taxed!! Great story and I empathize. I think my daughter slept through most of her second birthday party. It too was in the house with the same amount of guests. With the kids everything is left up to chance!Gosh, these muffins look awesome. So glad you got to watch your friends enjoy them.

I often read that eggs can be left out without needing a substitute. I also often find bakery recipes that either have eggs OR some dairy (yogurt, milk, buttermilk) in it. Perhaps you use these instead, I'd take 1/4 to 1/2 cup of it.As for the flour, I am pretty sure pastry flour will be fine.

First time commenter, and I have got to say this blog is great :)This is the first recipe I've made from your website (I've only just discovered it).. and they turned out great!I did make a few substitutions..I used egg replacer instead of eggs, and plain yoghurt instead of agave (I don't like things too sweet) and they look just like your pictures :)I also replaced 1 cup of the quick oats for a 1/2 cup of wheat germ and a 1/2 cup of ground flax so some added benefits!I'll be sure to work my way down this muffin list!thanks for the recipe!!-Anne